Asking to Give | A Christian Song About Prayer and Faith | Ellen G. White

From Carrie: “Asking to Give” is a Christian song inspired by Ellen G. White’s Christ’s Object Lessons, chapter 12, “Asking to Give.” This was my mom’s favorite chapter, and she and I talked about it many times. One thought she especially loved was that Jesus teaches us to call the infinite God our Father, and that this name, spoken in love and trust, is “as music in His ears.” This song draws from the chapter’s beautiful teaching on prayer, faith, perseverance, the Holy Spirit, claiming God’s promises, and receiving from Him so that we may give to others. Selected passages from the chapter: “In order to strengthen our confidence in God, Christ teaches us to address Him by a new name, a name entwined with the dearest associations of the human heart. He gives us the privilege of calling the infinite God our Father. This name, spoken to Him and of Him, is a sign of our love and trust toward Him, and a pledge of His regard and relationship to us. Spoken when asking His favor or blessing, it is as music in His ears. . . . God regards us as His children. . . . He invites us to trust in Him with a trust deeper and stronger than that of a child in his earthly father. . . . Then if earthly parents know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more shall our Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” “But God delights to give. He is full of compassion, and He longs to grant the requests of those who come unto Him in faith. He gives to us that we may minister to others and thus become like Himself.” “But we must show a firm, undeviating trust in God. Often He delays to answer us in order to try our faith or test the genuineness of our desire. Having asked according to His word, we should believe His promise and press our petitions with a determination that will not be denied. God does not say, Ask once, and you shall receive. He bids us ask. Unwearyingly persist in prayer.” “Our prayers are to be as earnest and persistent . . . . The more earnestly and steadfastly we ask, the closer will be our spiritual union with Christ. We shall receive increased blessings because we have increased faith.” “We need to have far less confidence in what man can do and far more confidence in what God can do for every believing soul. He longs to have you reach after Him by faith. He longs to have you expect great things from Him.” “There are many who long to help others, but they feel that they have no spiritual strength or light to impart. Let them present their petitions at the throne of grace. Plead for the Holy Spirit. God stands back of every promise He has made. With your Bible in your hands say, I have done as Thou hast said. I present Thy promise, ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.’ . . . All that Christ received from God we too may have. Then ask and receive. . . . claim for yourself all that God has promised. Let your life be knit by hidden links to the life of Jesus. . . . The Holy Spirit will take the things of God and show them unto you, conveying them as a living power into the obedient heart. Christ will lead you to the threshold of the Infinite.” Scripture references: Luke 11:1–13; Matthew 7:7–11; Romans 8:26; Ephesians 3:20 May this song encourage you to come to God as Father, pray with faith, persevere when answers are delayed, trust His promises, and ask not only to receive—but to give. #ellengwhite #spiritofprophecy #adventistmusic #sabbath #seventhdaysabbath #sdahymns #seventhdayadventist #adventisthistory #adventist #sda #prayer #faith #holyspirit #christiansong #christianmusic